Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer (B58)

The Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B58. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be2 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 g6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer — position after g6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be2 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 g6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3Nc6
6Be2Nxd4
7Qxd4g6

ECO: B58

Stockfish: +0.48 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer?

The Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be2 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 g6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B58.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer?

The Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer is ECO B58. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Be2 Nxd4 7. Qxd4 g6 at +0.48 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.